One of the trickiest parts of any self build, renovation or extension can be getting your choice of glazed doors right — our guide explains how to get yours spot on
(Image credit: IDSystems)
There are so many decisions to make when planning an extension, self build or renovation — including choosing glazed doors that will fit in with the style of your home as well as your budget.
With so many different options, both in terms of the types of doors and the choice of suppliers, let alone the configurations, colours and glazing specifications available, starting your research as early as you can is crucial.
So before you do anything else, check out Part One of IDSystems' four part series on selecting the right glazing for your home, where they cover how to start out when selecting the best designs and products for your particular project.
1. Do your research carefully
There are lots of different ways you can start researching glass doors for your house, including speaking to people who have previously completed similar projects, browsing online and visiting showrooms.
"Social media platforms, such as our Instagrampage, and Pinterest offer a huge selection of images of completed projects, while magazines and articles regularly feature pictures of finished homes, giving you the chance to see which style of door you like and how they look within a range of building styles and designs," say the experts at IDSystems.
"Certain styles of project can suit certain styles of glazed doors more and if you have a preferred choice of design this may be a starting point for choosing your doors. For ultra-modern, contemporary style homes with large expanses of glass then sliding doors tend to prove the most popular option. For smaller apertures on extensions, bifold doors really come into their own, and for period properties or for those seeking a more traditional look heritage style doors have become a hugely popular option."
2. Work with your architect when choosing doors
If you are working with an architect for your project then their expertise and experience can be invaluable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own say.
"At IDSystems, more and more over the past 10 years, we’ve seen homeowners take the lead on choosing glazed doors for their project, where previously it was architects who had really controlled the specification. What we are seeing now is that the style of door almost becomes the focal point for the whole initial brief to the architect, so the design is being conceived around the doors rather than the doors being fitted into whatever space the design allows."
If working with an architect, explain exactly how you want your doors to look and work for you. (Image credit: IDSystems)
3. Discover the finer details of the glass doors you like
Most people tend to start their research online, getting a basic understanding of all the options that are available.
The next stage is to take a deep dive into further information about the different door options available and to start to give your due diligence on the companies that supply them.
“We find that pictures on websites can make door systems look very similar, particularly to those starting out their journey to ordering, however the sheer quantity of products on the market means there are huge differences in the quality, capability and performance of the varying systems," say IDSystems' experts. "As with everything in life you get what you pay for and with the doors being amongst the most visible elements, and even the centre-piece of the overall design, it is critical that you make sure you get the product that is right for your home.”
4. Aim to view videos of the doors rather than pictures
While images of doors and completed homes are a great way to get a feel for the products initially, when it comes to you starting to narrow down the options and shortlist different systems, then videos really come into their own.
Being able to hear the experiences of previous customers and to learn more about the detailed specifications of the doors themselves can be hugely helpful and really brings the different door systems to life.
Aim to view videos of the doors in operation or visit showrooms rather than relying on pictures alone. (Image credit: IDSystems)
5. Talk to suppliers about your requirements
The next thing to do is to talk to suppliers about your exact requirements and to really listen to their advice and expertise.
“We get enquiries from customers who have really done their research and know what they want and they come with architect’s drawings, however even at that stage talking through the options and asking questions is hugely valuable," say IDSystems. "We’ve been doing this for more than 23 years and we’ve got so much experience that we’ve seen it all — so we know being able to pass on tips and things to consider is very much appreciated by customers.”
Get in touch
For more information about IDSystems and their multi award-winning range of aluminium framed glazing systems visit www.idsystems.co.uk, call 01603 408804 or email info@idsystems.co.uk
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